This beautiful country has been through a turbulent year. With the announcement of a government shutdown yesterday, the divisions are evident even at the highest levels. Many of the challenging issues revolve around immigrants. So, I wanted to share just a few of my thoughts.

From the perspective of an immigrant and a proud American, I want to say that I am hopeful. This point in American history is one of progress. We are talking about some of the most important social issues - race, humanitarianism, religion, equality, etc... These were issues that ten or fifteen years ago were locked away, considered by some as "solved." This year has been one of discussion and action. That gives me great hope!

When I came to America 17 year ago, in July 2001, I was determined to be a contributing member of this beautiful society. As a 16 year old "Lost Boy," my deepest desire was to work hard for a better life and to embrace American values. America was more than a country to me - it was hope. The idea of the American Melting Pot - that from diversity we find strength - is admired across the world. This experiment in democracy and cultural diversity has made the idea of "America" an aspirational one. Every country around the world, from the largest to the youngest nations, respect to the ideal of America. Proud citizen's of all the world's nations, still hold admiration for the pure vision of America, a land of immigrants.

Today, we are discussing hard issues and that is a wonderful thing. I challenge everyone to sit down together at a round table and keep the discussion moving forward. We grow more complex, more capable, more innovative through these powerful dialogues. It is OK not to agree - in fact it is great - because then we have the chance to stand in another person's shoes, understand their story, and grow.

In the light of recent events I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey from a refugee camp to the United States. Many people wonder about what it was like to come to America over 14 years ago and get a second chance at life. In short, my future was rewritten in an instant! But, I would really like to share what I imagined of America and how the realities surprised me. As I say in my book, as a refugee in Kenya, I imagined that America was next to heaven! America was a place that even the richest and most powerful could not reach - in some sense going to America would have been as impossible as travelling to Mars. I imagined America to be a utopia. To me, Africa seemed a continent full of violence and turmoil. After seeing the devastation of war across so many African countries and observing life in the refugee camp, I felt trapped in the fight for survival. There were moments of joy amidst the pain, but I wanted so badly to go to a place without sin and without violence where there was not reason to be afraid. In my essay to the U.S. embassy cataloging my life story I remember writing: "I do not feel safe here. I have nobody to take care of me. I want to have a new life in America."

But when I arrived in the U.S., speaking essentially no English, I thought that there had been a terrible mistake. From all of the training I had received in Kenya I was told that I would be joining the workforce to make a living to survive in America on my own. I expected to be taken to a factory. But at the airport a family waited for me carrying a sign - "Welcome Home!". I was taken to what looked like a mansion and I kept looking for the servant's quarters...but instead they gave me my own bedroom, my own soccer ball, and my own bike - I had never had any of these before in my life. I was dreading the day when they realized that a mistake had been made and that I did not belong here with them. When I started running Cross Country I felt a lot of pressure to prove to my family that I was worthy of representing them.

After about 6 weeks when I started feeling comfortable with English my parents took me out on a boat ride on the lake (my Dad was determined that I would learn to love the water since we lived on Otisco Lake). This was the first time I told my story. This was also when I realized that the Rogers were really my family. My life in America was not just one of hard work, but also a rediscovery of childhood! Despite the fact that in many ways I knew nothing about America at the age of 16, I knew that I had been given a most amazing gift. I belonged in my new family and I belonged to a country. It didn't change the fact that I wanted to represent family and country with every effort and make them proud. I still strive to do that everyday!

I give constant thanks to the family who pushed through all challenges to bring me and my 5 adopted brothers to the US. They are a blessing and there is no replacement for the love of family! Even more, I thank the American people for opening up their arms to a refugee. That's why we are a great country - a nation of all people! And that is why we have so much to be proud of. ​I want to share support now and in the future for all of the refugees searching for a new life and a freedom from war! To hear more about my story please read Running for My Life.

Running Tip #15:A healthy body is essential for training. Listen to your body during training and make sure that you promote recovery - healthy food, stretching, and most importantly sleep!

Lopez Lomong

I am so thankful to all my fans and friends who support my journey and inspire me to work hard everyday!